Pgh Lesbian Correspondents

Name:  Louie

Age: 50

County of Residence:  Allegheny

Pronouns: No preference

How do you describe your identity? Born cis male, identify as Queer, Pansexual, and kinky

Please describe your coming out experience. Where did you find support? What challenges did you face? Self aware with lots of research. Found minor support in local kink community. Not really much else. No real reach out from Queer community.

How would you describe yourself NOW in terms of “being out”? Happier

Tell me about the first LGBTQ person whom you met. What impact did they have on your life? He tought me to allow myself to simply be me…everyone else be darned.

Past or present, favorite LGBTQ character or creator in television, film or literature? Please tell us why. Ellen DeGeneres because she’s a trailblazer!

How do you stay informed about LGBTQ issues? Online research

Describe your geographical community. Pittsburgh is very welcoming and progressive.

Describe your local or regional LGBTQ community. Not much.

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Have you ever experienced discrimination based on your identity? Specifically, in a job setting, when applying for housing or while in public.  Yes. Job.

Have you experienced microagressions based on your identity? Think everyday indignities & slights that you experience, but would not characterize as discrimination. Please describe in your own words.  No response.

Tell us about your access to health care in Western PA. Has it been LGBTQ competent (or not?) I have not informed my health providers at the VA. I am retired from active duty service and feel I might be in jeopardy if I out myself.

Are there issues impacting your LGBTQ neighbors that aren’t visible or part of the local dialogue?  No.

What would you like to see elected officials do to improve life for LGBTQ Pennsylvanians?  Equality

Please share a lived experience, anecdote or fact about life as an LGBTQ person in your community. My neighbors would cast me out. Most voted for Trump out if desperation and anger.

Beyond discrimination, what other barriers create challenges for your LGBTQ neighbors? Civility

What LGBTQ friendly resources are available for your neighbors? None.

What is your greatest fear for the LGBTQ community in Western Pennsylvania? Isolation.

What is your greatest hope for the LGBTQ community in Western Pennsylvania?  Inclusion.

What can allies do to support your LGBTQ community? More resources!

How can gay men and lesbians support the bisexual, transgender and queer members of our community? Acknowledge and practice that we’re all connected.

What motivated you to take part in this project? I want to help our community grow!

Finally, what question should I have asked? Please also share your answer. None

Thank you, Louie.

We are crowdfunding right now to do a special outreach on the Northside. All donations will be matched 100% by The Buhl Foundation. 

Read the entire AMPLIFY LGBTQ Q&A archive.

Submit your own Q&A using our online form.

AMPLIFY LGBTQ is a series of blog posts designed to give a “signal boost” to the voices of our LGBTQ neighbors throughout Western Pennsylvania. These are glimpses in to the lived experiences of LGBTQ people in Western Pennsylvania as told in their own voices.